Keep a Child Alive’s CEO Peter Twyman announced today that the 12th annual Black Ball, held last night at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, raised a total of $3.8 million. These funds will provide life-saving HIV treatment, care and support to children, young people and families affected by HIV in Africa and India. Keep a Child Alive’s co-founder, Alicia Keys, hosted the evening and was joined by actor, comedian and director, Chris Rock, who served as the emcee for the night. Additionally, Lenny Kravitz, Wale and LION BABE joined Alicia Keys on stage for unique performance collaborations.

“The energy in the Hammerstein Ballroom at last night’s Black Ball was electrifying,” said Alicia Keys. EVERYONE in the room was there to do their part, to add their support. It’s not right to me that Africa continues to be disproportionally impacted by AIDS, with too many young lives lost. Last night was about helping to correct that situation. To all of our amazing supporters, thank you for joining us, we couldn’t do this every year without you.”

This year’s Black Ball honored philanthropist Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe who were recognized for their efforts addressing the issues of social and economic inequality of Africa’s poorest people, and for their generous support of HIV and AIDS initiatives over the years.

“We would like to thank Alicia and the entire staff at KCA,” said Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe when accepting their award. “The work that Alicia does is most inspiring to us. My husband and I are really honored to receive this award, and we thank you for the great work you do.”

“Through Black Ball, Keep a Child Alive elevates awareness and mobilizes support for one of the most urgent and pressing health crises of our time: HIV/AIDS,” said Jho Low, Chief Executive Officer of Jynwel Capital Limited and Director of Jynwel Charitable Foundation Limited. “We are proud to be a partner of KCA and support initiatives that deliver treatment and care to young people living with HIV around the world.”

During the event, founder Lisa Falcone of Everest Entertainment, an organization that helps to develop films focusing on important issues, made a generous donation of $1 million to assist with KCA’s mission to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Along with the performances, guests of the Black Ball enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception and a dinner prepared by Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur & Author Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The Creative Director of Keep a Child Alive, Earle Sebastian, transformed the venue into an afrofuturist space.

To date, Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball has raised over $28.7 million for children and families affected by HIV. Past performers at the event have included Jay Z, Bono, Adele, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Nas, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, David Byrne, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, David Bowie and many more incredible artists. This year marks the 9th year that the Black Ball was held at the Manhattan Center’s iconic Hammerstein Ballroom, which is known for its extraordinary performances and unforgettable special events.

JYNWEL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LIMITED

For a third consecutive year, Jynwel Charitable Foundation Limited is a presenting sponsor of Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball. Jynwel Foundation is committed to funding breakthrough programs that accelerate and scale solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges in the fields of global public health, education and conservation.

GIVENCHY PARFUMS Givenchy Parfums is proud to return as a presenting sponsor of Keep a Child Alive’s Black Ball. Givenchy Parfums is a luxury fragrance and cosmetics brand that cultivates a unique blend of aristocratic elegance and daring creativity. The creative freedom of the brand, which combines style with impertinence, is reflected in its Couture-inspired perfumes, its audacious and trend-setting make-up products with genuine leather cases, and its innovative skincare formulas.

MICROSOFT Upgrade Your World is a year-long initiative from Windows 10 to celebrate those who inspire and empower others, led by Microsoft’s vision to help people achieve more through technology and in celebration of Windows 10. Windows is partnering with 10 global and 100 local nonprofits to help them upgrade the world. A total $10 million cash investment will be made in support of their missions and to promote awareness of their causes.

Available for the first time as a free upgrade, Windows 10 delivers a fast and familiar experience that is more secure and always up-to-date, featuring new innovations like Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and Xbox integration. For more information on how to get involved and #UpgradeYourWorld, visit Windows.com/UpgradeYourWorld.

SHERRY-LEHMANN WINE & SPIRITS

Spirits for the evening are generously donated by event sponsor Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits, a long-time partner of Keep a Child Alive. Founded in 1934, Sherry-Lehmann is located in the heart of Manhattan, at 505 Park Avenue. The Sherry-Lehmann store combines old-world charm with modern sophistication, and caters to seasoned wine lovers and beginners alike. Renowned for its deep stock of fine wine and spirits from across the globe, its helpful, knowledgeable staff, and award-winning website, Sherry-Lehmann is committed to delivering an incomparable level of customer service. Entering its 80th year of business, Sherry-Lehmann’s dedication has learned many awards, including: “Retailer of the Year” (The Wine Enthusiast), “New York’s #1 Wine Shop” (Zagat), and the “#1 Wine Shop in America” (Forbes). Visit www.Sherry-Lehmann.com for more information.

The Black Ball has honored humanitarians who use their passion, fame, and courage to better our world. Previously, KCA had the pleasure of honoring President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Richard Branson, Bono, George Harrison, Stephen Lewis, and Riccardo Tisci, amongst others.

ABOUT KEEP A CHILD ALIVE Keep a Child Alive (KCA) was founded in 2003 by AIDS activist Leigh Blake and Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys, as an emergency push to get life-saving HIV medications to African children and families, who otherwise would not have had access to treatment.

KCA’s work has since grown to include the critical components necessary for successful, life-long HIV treatment: comprehensive, holistic care that supports the complete health of children and their families, ensuring their physical, mental and social well-being.

KCA provides financial and programmatic support to 7 innovative, grass-roots programs in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and India, serving over 56,000 people annually. With the help of its supporters, KCA continues to use its voice to raise awareness, mobilize people to take action, and rally resources in the global response to HIV. For more information, please visit keepachildalive.org